A history of dual-sport athletes

February 4, 2014 11:52 AM

Photo: Robert Riger/Getty Images

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It should come as no surprise that professional athletes are capable of juggling multiple sports even if they weren't superstars in their second pursuit.
Former Rockets player Tracy McGrady is the latest athlete considering a second career. Here are other athletes who pulled double duty. less

It should come as no surprise that professional athletes are capable of juggling multiple sports even if they weren't superstars in their second pursuit. Former Rockets player Tracy McGrady is the latest ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

It should come as no surprise that professional athletes are... Photo-5822813.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Tracy McGrady
The 13-year NBA veteran has always had an interest in playing baseball. 'T-Mac' has been working with Roger Clemens in hopes of beginning a career in the minor leagues as a pitcher.

Tracy McGrady
The 13-year NBA veteran has always had an interest in playing baseball. 'T-Mac' has been working with Roger Clemens in hopes of beginning a career in the minor leagues as a pitcher.

Michael Jordan
The most celebrated NBA player of all time took his competitive spirit to the baseball field. In one season with the AA Birmingham Barons Jordan had a batting average of .202, three home runs, 51 RBIs and 30 stolen bases less

Michael Jordan
The most celebrated NBA player of all time took his competitive spirit to the baseball field. In one season with the AA Birmingham Barons Jordan had a batting average of .202, three home runs,

Michael Jordan
The most celebrated NBA player of all time took... Photo-5822815.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Deion Sanders
'Prime Time' has the distinction of being the only person to participate in the Super Bowl and World Series. He was a corner back and return specialist in the NFL and an outfielder in baseball. His NFL teams included the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. In the MLB, he suited up for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. less

Deion Sanders
'Prime Time' has the distinction of being the only person to participate in the Super Bowl and World Series. He was a corner back and return specialist in the NFL and an outfielder in baseball.

Bo Jackson
The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner excelled in baseball and football. Jackson was a prolific hitter and a physical running back. He played in the NFL for four seasons and the MLB for eight years. Jackson also briefly ran track during his college tenure at Auburn. less

Bo Jackson
The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner excelled in baseball and football. Jackson was a prolific hitter and a physical running back. He played in the NFL for four seasons and the MLB for eight years.

Robert Griffin III
The former Baylor Bear and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner is known for his speed. He was a hurdler for Baylor's track team, winning the Big 12 conference championship in the 400-meter hurdles in 2008. He placed 11th in the same event at the U.S. Olympic Trials that same year. less

Robert Griffin III
The former Baylor Bear and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner is known for his speed. He was a hurdler for Baylor's track team, winning the Big 12 conference championship in the 400-meter hurdles in

John Elway
One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history used his talent in baseball as leverage. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts but refused to join to the team. Instead he reported to the New York Yankees' minor league system as an outfielder. Of course, Elway was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos. less

John Elway
One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history used his talent in baseball as leverage. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts but refused to join to the team. Instead he reported to the New York

Jackie Robinson
The barrier-breaking second baseman was a busy man while at UCLA. Along with baseball he participated in basketball, football and track.

Jackie Robinson
The barrier-breaking second baseman was a busy man while at UCLA. Along with baseball he participated in basketball, football and track.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

Jackie Robinson
The barrier-breaking second baseman was a busy... Photo-5822826.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Jim Thorpe
Often regarded as one of the best athletes of the 20th century for his participation in the decathlon, pentathlon and in football. He played running back, defensive back and was also used as a kicker and punter. He also had short stints in professional baseball and basketball. less

Jim Thorpe
Often regarded as one of the best athletes of the 20th century for his participation in the decathlon, pentathlon and in football. He played running back, defensive back and was also used as a

Lolo Jones
The Olympic hurdler will try her luck in the Winter Olympics in Sochi as a bobsledder.

Lolo Jones
The Olympic hurdler will try her luck in the Winter Olympics in Sochi as a bobsledder.

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Lolo Jones
The Olympic hurdler will try her luck in the Winter... Photo-5822830.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Bob Hayes
He won two Olympic gold medals as a sprinter but became a successful NFL wide receiver for 10 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Hayes was named to three Pro Bowls, won a Super Bowl and finished less

Bob Hayes
He won two Olympic gold medals as a sprinter but became a successful NFL wide receiver for 10 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Hayes was named to three Pro Bowls, won a Super

Bob Hayes
He won two Olympic gold medals as a sprinter but... Photo-5822832.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Charlie Ward
The 1993 Heisman Trophy winner had a choice to play in the NBA, NFL and the MLB but ended up choosing basketball. He briefly played for the Rockets in the twilight of his career. Ward was recently the head football coach at Westbury Christian High School. less

Charlie Ward
The 1993 Heisman Trophy winner had a choice to play in the NBA, NFL and the MLB but ended up choosing basketball. He briefly played for the Rockets in the twilight of his career. Ward was recently

Danny Ainge
He played for the Toronto Blue Jays before his 14-year career in the NBA. The shooting guard was used mostly at second base but could also fill in at at third base and in the outfield. Ainge now works as an executive for the Boston Celtics. less

Danny Ainge
He played for the Toronto Blue Jays before his 14-year career in the NBA. The shooting guard was used mostly at second base but could also fill in at at third base and in the outfield. Ainge now

Antonio Gates
He spent the majority of his time in college playing basketball but wowed NFL scouts to become a successful pro tight end.

Antonio Gates
He spent the majority of his time in college playing basketball but wowed NFL scouts to become a successful pro tight end.

Photo: Lenny Ignelzi, Associated Press

Antonio Gates
He spent the majority of his time in college... Photo-5822836.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Martellus Bennett
The former Texas A&M tight end also played some basketball for the Aggies. Bennett was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and played there for three seasons. He was also on the New York Giants but now plays for the Chicago Bears. less

Martellus Bennett
The former Texas A&M tight end also played some basketball for the Aggies. Bennett was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and played there for three seasons. He was also on the New York Giants but

Chris Weinke
After six years of playing in the minor leagues, Weinke decided to trade in his baseball cleats for football cleats. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2000 for Florida State, and is the oldest player to win the award. He played six seasons in the NFL mainly for the Carolina Panthers. less

Chris Weinke
After six years of playing in the minor leagues, Weinke decided to trade in his baseball cleats for football cleats. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2000 for Florida State, and is the oldest player

Chris Weinke
After six years of playing in the minor leagues,... Photo-5822839.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Donovan McNabb
He spent 13 seasons in the NFL, and all but two of them were for the Philadelphia Eagles. But during his college tenure at Syracuse, McNabb was a reserve guard for the Orange.

Donovan McNabb
He spent 13 seasons in the NFL, and all but two of them were for the Philadelphia Eagles. But during his college tenure at Syracuse, McNabb was a reserve guard for the Orange.

Photo: Mel Evans, Associated Press

Donovan McNabb
He spent 13 seasons in the NFL, and all but two... Photo-5822840.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Jeff Samardzija
The Cubs pitcher played both baseball and football in college, but was more known for his gridiron greatness at Notre Dame. Samardzija was a consensus All-American wide receiver in 2005 and was expected to be selected in the 2007 NFL draft. However, Chicago selected the right-hander in the fifth round of the 2006 MLB draft and he chose to pursue a career in pro baseball. less

Jeff Samardzija
The Cubs pitcher played both baseball and football in college, but was more known for his gridiron greatness at Notre Dame. Samardzija was a consensus All-American wide receiver in 2005 and was

Brandon Weeden
Was drafted in the second round in the MLB draft of 2002 but never got out of the minor leagues. Weeden went back to college and started at quarterback for Oklahoma State before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. less

Brandon Weeden
Was drafted in the second round in the MLB draft of 2002 but never got out of the minor leagues. Weeden went back to college and started at quarterback for Oklahoma State before being drafted by

Brandon Weeden
Was drafted in the second round in the MLB... Photo-5822842.79093 - Houston Chronicle

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Drew Henson
Henson started his professional career as a third baseman in the New York Yankees' system. He returned to football after six years of playing baseball but he never panned out as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. less

Drew Henson
Henson started his professional career as a third baseman in the New York Yankees' system. He returned to football after six years of playing baseball but he never panned out as a quarterback for